Montana

Summary

Montana is a traditional open carry state. Localities are substantially preempted, but have limited power to prevent and suppress the carrying of concealed or unconcealed weapons to a public assembly, publicly owned building, park under its jurisdiction, or school, and the possession of firearms by convicted felons, adjudicated mental incompetents, illegal aliens, and minors.

The right of any person to keep and bear arms in defense of his own home, person, and property, or in aid of the civil power when thereto legally summoned, shall not be called in question; but nothing herein contained shall be held to permit the carrying of concealed weapons.

Minimum Age to Open Carry

You must be 14 years of age to carry a loaded handgun in public. MCA 45-8-344

NOTE: Almost all states allow local regulation of the discharge of firearms

Open Car Carry

You may open carry in a vehicle.

Private Sales

18 years and older may purchase from private sellers.

K-12 Carry

Buildings: No – A person commits the offense of possession of a weapon in a school building if the person purposely and knowingly possesses, carries, or stores a weapon in a school building.MCA 45-8-361

Montana is a “Shall Issue” state for CWPs. Meaning as long as you are not a disqualified person you will be issued a license within 60 days by law.

Initial permits cost $50 and last 4 years, Renewals cost $25 and last 4 years. Background check and fingerprints are required for the permit and the applicant must be a resident of the state for 6 months prior to applying. The Minimum age to apply for a CWP is 18 years old.

We make every effort to provide correct information on this site. However, the legal landscape surrounding open carry is fluid and subject to a myriad of political influences in the various states. Therefore, any and all information you glean from this site should be independently verified!